'You never know:' Couples only four back

By

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Fred Couples disappeared for a while on Saturday at the Masters, teased us for a stretch, then made bogey on the 17th hole and finished with a 73 to stand at 1 under par for the tournament.

Couples, 54, sent a charge into Augusta National the first two days when he got himself into contention for the fifth consecutive year through 36 holes. He knew it would be tough to play well for a third consecutive day, and at times Saturday it was a struggle for the 1992 champion.

The first five holes were shaky for Couples. He opened with three bogeys and a birdie. He rallied with birdies on Nos. 11, 13 and 14, but a bogey on the 17th hole for the third consecutive day soured the round a little.

But unlike the last few years, Couples didn't play himself out of the tournament. He heads to the final round tied for 10th place, four behind leaders Jordan Spieth and Bubba Watson.

“I’m playing pretty good golf, and I have a shot tomorrow of shooting some silly round to maybe win, but it’s going to take a 65 or 66,” Couples said. “You never know.”